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Corinth Church was built in 1896 and Elder R.C. Jackson served as the first pastor. Corinth Church petitioned and was accepted into the Cape Fear
Conference on October 29, 1896, at New Hope Church in Johnston County. The minutes of that meeting stated, "on motion by Elder Lunda Lee, the church at Corinth,
Sampson County, be received as a member of this body, and the right hand of fellowship be extended to Bros. E.R. Blue, J.C. Smith, and W.C. Sills, delegates of
the same." Corinth entered with 24 church members. Bro. E.R. Blue was the first clerk.
The names of the 24 charter members were not recorded, but the earliest family names recorded on the church rolls were Taylor, Blue, Starling, Phillips, Lambert,
Strickland, Baggett, Dawson, Matthis, Sills, Barefoot, Tew, Smith, Lee, Herring, Dale, Pope, House, and possibly others.
During the early years, membership numbers at Corinth were up and down because discipline was very strict within the church. Ruling Elders were
appointed and any reported wrongdoing was investigated and confessions were called for at the next meeting. If confessions were not made,
the accused members were censured and names were dropped from the church roll until they were repentant and asked to be reinstated. Members were
also censured for failing to attend meetings and help carry the burden of the church.
In 1897, Corinth had 45 members. Elder W.M. Pope served as pastor in 1899, and the value of the church property was valued at $250.00
Elder R.W. Bass served from 1901-1904. In 1901, 61 members were enrolled in Sunday School. Bro. Zachary Taylor was the first Sunday School
Superintendent at Corinth.
In 1904, Elder Lunda Lee was called as pastor and served until 1908. Elder R.W. Bass was called back in 1908 for one year, and under his leadership
the sum of $73.00 was raised to repair and complete the church building. Bro. W.D. Phillips was appointed as the first trustee of the church to hold
the deed to the church property donated.
At this time, no improvements had been made to the church building other than repairs. These were mule and wagon days. Some present members may have memories
of the old church building, the wood stove, the smoky glass windows (raised with a stick for fresh air), oil and gas lamps, the old hand pump outside for water,
the little card class over in the corner for small children, curtained corners for other classes. Prayer was offered on bended knees on the rough hard floor, inspiring
gospel messages and revivals were delivered with a full building and people standing outside to hear. People's voices were uplifted with songs everyone loved to hear and sing.
Singing has always been an important part of the worship services at Corinth. In the early 1920s, we had a choir to represent our church at Sunday School Conventions.
Bro. Willie Dixon led our choir years before we had a piano. He could find the key with his tuning fork.
Bro. Bill Henry Lambert led our choir before and after we got our first piano in the 1930's. A pair of glasses was kept at the church for him in case he forgot
and left his at home. The early Stamps-Baxter song books were used by the choir.
In 1933, Rev. C.H. Coats was called as Pastor. Under his leadership, our church prospered and many church
improvements were begun.
In 1949, the church was turned around to its present location, underpinned, painted, and a cement porch and steps were placed in front. The road was improved, and for the first time,
the church had electricity. When improvements were completed, we began raising money for Sunday School rooms. Rev. Coats served our Church faithfully for 19 years. He resigned
in 1952.
In 1952, Rev. Leonard Woodall was called to serve Corinth. With his encouragement and the support of the members, our Sunday School rooms were built on the back of the church. The inside of the church
was redone with sheet rock and painted. New floors, stained glass windows, new pews, new light fixtures, and gas heaters were installed. Many members made donations as memorials by providing money
to purchase stained glass windows, pews, and other items needed in the church. Rev. Woodall resigned in 1957.
In 1957, Rev. J. Walter Stanley was called to serve as pastor until 1959. During these years, a new vestibule was added to the front of the church, and brick steps were built.
A new piano and new pulpit furniture were purchased. New carpet was installed down the aisle of the church.
Rev. Thomas E. Beamon was called to serve as pastor until his unexpected death in 1961. Rev. Eugene Hales and Rev. J. Walter Stanley served as supply pastors after Rev.
Beamon's death until another pastor was called.
In 1962, Rev. Lonnie E. Cayton was called to serve until he resigned in 1970. Our Fellowship Building was built under his ministry. Corinth had 89 church members in 1969.
In 1970, Rev. Connie Parker was called as pastor until his resignation in 1972. Our church was painted on the inside and carpet was installed on all the floors.
In 1972, Rev. J. Walter Stanley was called back as pastor. The church voted to have services every Sunday morning and no evening services. We had been having morning and evening services on the 2nd and
4th Sundays.
In 1973, Rev. Carey Watkins was called as pastor. During his ministry, he was needed to help establish Christian schools and Rev. Joe Dan Underwood served as Associate Pastor in his
absence.
Rev. Watkins resigned in 1975 to work full-time with Christian schools. In 1975, Joe Dan Underwood served as Pastor, until he resigned in 1976.
On February 6, 1977, Rev. Ralph Osborne was called to serve as pastor. With his encouragement and support, Corinth Church prospered both financially and spiritually.
The members voted to brick the church, replace the roof, install a heating and cooling system, build a porch on the front of the church, and install new entrance doors. The work was completed
and a note-burning ceremony was help in 1978.
In 1979, the church voted to become a member of the Randall Association and continue to support all of the FWB denominational work. Rev. Osborne donated 1000 books and booklets to start a church library
at Corinth.
In 1980, the members of Corinth voted to remodel the inside of the church. With dedicated members and friends joining together in work and fellowship, a new
choir loft was added, a new pulpit area was built, new light fixtures were installed, and a new entrance and Sunday School rooms were completed at the front of the church. New carpet was installed and an
organ was purchased. Rev. Osborne resigned in 1980. In 1980, Rev. Carey Watkins was recalled as pastor and the church voted to support him as full-time pastor.
In 1981, a steeple was built by Bro. Laudis Phillips and placed on the church.
With full-time leadership, witnessing, visitation, and much cooperation among our members, our church grew both spiritually and in number. The need for more Sunday School rooms to teach and train our members grew
more necessary every year. In 1984, the new Sunday School Building hallway was made possible by those who donated to have a brick inscribed honoring or in memory of loved ones. Others had plaques placed on pews, doors, and windows.
Eight new classrooms, two restrooms, and a secretary's office were completed on March 2, 1986 at 3:00pm., and a dedication service for our new Sunday School Building was held with an open house and a reception following. Rev. Herman Hersey from FWB Bible
College of Nashville, Tennessee was our speaker.
A bus was bought to be used for the activities of the church in 1986. Rev. Watkins resigned in 1987.
During these years, Corinth Church supported Bro. Dave Watkins, our pastor's son, as a missionary to the Inupiat Eskimoes above the Arctic Circle in Alaska. We saw how God was blessing his ministry when several young
Eskimo men came to visit with us at the church and in our homes.
They played guitars and sang in their native language. They were here attending Bible college. Enoch Adams Jr., completed his schooling and went back to Alaska to minister to his people. David lived with them for many years. When he came home on leave, he worked with young and
old alike in our church and we all loved him. He has gone from Alaska to Hawaii now and is ministering to the people there. David is a dedicated young man and God is using him in a mighty way.
After Rev. Watkin's resignation, Rev. Leonard Woodall and Rev. Bobby Tew served as supply pastors until a new pastor was called.
In 1988, Rev. Stanley L. Coker, Jr. was called to be pastor of Corinth Church. Under his leadership, we grew spiritually and have been very active in all the work of the church.
The inside of the Fellowship Hall was redone in 1988 with paneling on the walls, new lights, ceiling fans, floor covering, and gas heating installed. In 1989,
a pastor's study was made in an extra classroom. A typewriter and a copier were purchased. Children's Church became a part of our worship services with Mrs. Pam Coker and Mrs. Bette Strickland was co-directors.
A Memorial Building Fund was begun consisting of memorial donations in lieu of flowers for loved ones, the homecoming offering, and any other donations designated for the fund.
In 1990, the landscaping of the church was greatly improved. The old concrete in front was removed and a larger area was poured with walkways to the Sunday School Building and to the Fellowship Building. Trees were cut,
stumps removed, and new shrubbery was planted.
In 1991, a 15-passenger van was bought for the use of the church members. It has been used to bus people to church services by Bro. Harvey Stewart. It was used for all activities of the church
when needed. The old bus was sold.
In May, 1992, we celebrated "Luther Strickland Day" at Corinth. Bro. Luther was 95 years old. He was honored for his dedicated service, as well as being a life-time deacon. A plaque honoring Bro. Luther and in memory of Mrs. Lena Strickland
was presented to him. Corinth Church and the Deacon Board presented a table to the church to be placed in the hallway to honor them.
In 1992, a sound system was purchased and installed in the church. It has been a great help in our worship services.
On April 25, 1993, we surprised our pastor with a Pastor Appreciation Day and celebrated his 30th birthday with a dinner and fellowship
On December 26, 1993, Corinth Church voted to sponsor Bro. Harvey Stewart to be a licensed FWB minister.
In 1994, new carpet was installed in the sanctuary. We began an additional 8:30 Sunday morning worship service that continued until August. Attendance was good.
On September 11, 1995, the church voted to sponsor Bro. Mike Walters to be a licensed FWB Minister.
In 1995, a new steeple was added to our church. We held a dedication service outside in front of the church at the 8:30 and 11:00 worship services.
From April 30 - May 4, 1995, Corinth participated in the "Total Life Crusade" with Oklahoma evangelist Wayne Bristow and
Illinois music evangelist Steve Shirk. It was held at Spring Branch Baptist Church. Other churches participating were
Mingo Baptist, Clement Baptist, Lee's Chapel FWB, and Union Grove Baptist.
The Crusade Choir contained members from all the churches. It was something wonderful to hear and a spiritual experience for those who joined with the choir.
In July, we had Senior Saints Day and honored our Senior Saints. There was special seating and flowers for each one. We surprised two of our senior citizens by having special
recognition. A plaque was presented to Miss Ida Strickland for her dedication during her 74 years as
a member, Organizer of Youth Work, Treasurer, and Teacher.
Corinth also honored Bro. Waitus Lee for his years of service as Life-Time Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, Teacher, and Dedicated Service. He was also given a plaque.
In August, we had Youth Sunday with our Young People serving in the offices of the church. Percy Strickland and Jeffrey Brown were our Youth Speakers.
Our pastor, Rev. Stan Coker, resigned in August, 1995. His last Sunday as Pastor was August 27th, so we celebrated Pastor Appreciation Day to show him how much his leadership has meant to us. The Church presented the Family (Stan and Pam Coker, Ashley, Ana, and Adam) a plaque
in appreciation for their leadership, and service for over seven years.
During September 1995, Rev. Roy Blanton, Bro. Harvey Stewart, Bro. Mike Walters, and Bro. Phil McCall have
supplied as pastors for us. | 
